Leadership that sells

79 How to know when you have the right answer - with Adam Boddison CEO Association for Project Management

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In this episode, we dive deep into the art of decision-making with Adam Boddison, a leader with extensive experience in project management. Together, we explore how managers and leaders can develop confidence in knowing when they’ve found the right answer. Decision-making is a crucial skill for any leader, and Adam shares practical strategies and insights that help clarify this often complex process.

Key Takeaways:
  1. Decision-Making Isn’t Just About Data
  • Adam emphasizes that while data is important, relying solely on it can lead to indecision. Leaders need to combine data with intuition, experience, and context to arrive at well-rounded decisions.
  • The Importance of Asking the Right Questions
  • Before making a decision, leaders should focus on asking the right questions. Adam discusses how framing a problem correctly can uncover the most valuable insights, leading to better outcomes.
  • Confidence in Uncertainty
  • No decision will ever be 100% risk-free. Adam talks about how leaders must learn to be comfortable with uncertainty and trust in their judgment, even when all the answers aren’t immediately clear.
  • Knowing When to Act
  • One of the biggest challenges leaders face is knowing when to make a decision and when to wait for more information. Adam shares his approach to balancing urgency with patience, ensuring that decisions are made with both speed and care.
  • The Role of Collaboration in Decision-Making
  • Decision-making doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Adam highlights the importance of involving your team and stakeholders in the process. Collaboration brings diverse perspectives that can illuminate blind spots and lead to more robust decisions.

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    Memorable Quotes:
    • "Data gives you part of the picture, but if you wait for all the data, you might miss the window to act."
  • "Asking the right questions upfront changes everything—it’s about framing the problem correctly."
  • "It’s not about eliminating uncertainty, it’s about leading with confidence in the face of it."

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    Actionable Insights:
    • Trust your instincts: Data is important, but your experience and gut feelings are crucial too. Use them together to guide your decisions.
  • Collaborate effectively: Don’t make decisions in isolation. Seek input from your team to get a broader perspective.
  • Be decisive: Don’t wait for perfect information—it rarely exists. Learn to make decisions with the information you have.

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    https://www.apm.org.uk/about-us/profile/professor-adam-boddison/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamboddison

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    Leadership that sellsBy Practical Leadership Academy